1996 Ford Ranger Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 13%of 413 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 13% of the 413 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,300 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Blend air door failed and will not operate on 1996 Ford Ranger resulting in inoperative defrosters. Ford wants $700 to repair problem. Numberous web site forums report this to be a chronic and frequent problem with 93-96 Ford Ranger/explorer and mountaineer vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10036677, filed 2003-08, 98,600 miles“The dome lights and door ajar buzzer come off and on. The windshield wipers come on by themselves. If the sun is shinning in the window it my cause an accident as I can't see. I also had to pull the fuse on the dome light as it was on so much it was res hot and running my battery down.”
NHTSA complaint #718351, filed 2000-02“Windshield wipers will activate without any warning,sometimes washers actiate at same time.I have had this problem since new. Originaly it was only once every 6 months or so but now it is nearly daily and many times during the day. I have spoken to numero.”
NHTSA complaint #735518, filed 2000-10“Windshield wipers and washer operate unpredictably while the switch is in the off position. This is very dangeous since the windshield gets smeared when dirty, causing loss of visibility. Dealer says problem is in switch. Obviously this is a problem accoss the Ford line up, since my son had the same problem with his 1997 f-150 and the problem was present on a rented 1999 windstar. In addition there are numerous complaints on this site. I think it is recall time.”
NHTSA complaint #716630, filed 1999-12“The contact owns a 1996 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would activate intermittently while driving obstructing his view. Also, the interior dome light door ajar alarm would continue to illuminate when the door was been closed intermittently. He also noticed that the electronic overdrive light would illuminate intermittently. All three electrical failures began september 2010. The dealer and manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10384411, filed 2011-02, 100,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% |
| 2020 | 10 | 8% |
| 2019 | 24 | 9% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 9 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 74 | 10% |
| 1998 | 16 | 3% |
| 1997 | 36 | 9% |
| 1996 | 52 | 13% |
| 1995 | 63 | 20% |
| 1994 | 13 | 3% |
| 1993 | 5 | 2% |
| 1992 | 22 | 12% |
| 1991 | 13 | 10% |
| 1990 | 12 | 11% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 4 | 15% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Ranger
69 complaintsTires
41 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsFuel system
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology